President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a new cabinet with 32 ministers.
A notable appointment is Angie Motshekga as the new Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, replacing Thandi Modise.
This decision surprised many, leading to social media jokes and scepticism about her capability to lead the Defence Force.
Here are some of the reactions:
Good morning to general Angie Motshekga and the entire SANDF pic.twitter.com/Wi3ZIJdfM1
— Lassy ? Laden (@AHT_YssY) July 1, 2024
General Bantu Holomisa will be serving under Minister Angie Motshekga as a deputy minister of Defence. What a time to be alive. ? #Cabinet pic.twitter.com/yky1qAQOia
— Nicolas Nic Ga?ela (@RealKGeeRSA) June 30, 2024
What does Angie Motshekga know about ministry in defense? What qualifications does she have regarding this portfolio. These people don’t take us serious ??????? pic.twitter.com/UIaeARFtpC
— ツ O R I (@Ori_RSA) June 30, 2024
Angie Motshekga has hit the ground running by starting her week long training in one of the barracks this morning as she prepares to visit our Troops in DRC???#GNU2024#CabinetAnnouncement #Cabinet pic.twitter.com/DLhNUY9SkJ
— Sir Charles (@SirCharlesZA) July 1, 2024
Angie Motshekga is the new Minister of Defence – what a joke ??? pic.twitter.com/CJAINNQdOS
— TK_Nala (@NalaThokozane) June 30, 2024
I have nothing against Mama Angie Motshekga but being a defence minister at 69-years-old and taking over from a 64-year-old Thandi Modise must be demoralising to some of the SANDF generals. #Cabinet pic.twitter.com/HCTpTPbqlm
— Mzilikazi wa Afrika (@IamMzilikazi) June 30, 2024
Ramaphosa said that the cabinet was chosen based on experience, skills, commitment, and integrity, with considerations for gender, youth, demographics, and regional distribution.
Motshekga’s political career began during the anti-apartheid struggle.
She has held various roles, including MEC for Social Development and Education, and has extensive experience in teaching and education administration. Motshekga holds several degrees in education and served as the Basic Education minister from 2009 until her recent appointment to the Defence portfolio.
She has also been involved in the ANC Women’s League and is a member of the ANC National Executive and Working Committees.
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
First published on African Insider
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